Cinco de Mayo: Where to Sip, Savor & Celebrate in Austin

by Madi Hise on May 4, 2025 in Food+Drink,
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Austin’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are heating up, and the city is buzzing with bold bites, frosty margaritas, and plenty of fiesta-worthy fun.

Whether you’re looking for unbeatable drink deals, rooftop fiestas, or a full-blown tequila crawl, here’s your guide to the best Cinco de Mayo happenings in and around Austin.

Verdad: Margaritas and Queso, Please

VERDAD cocktails also pay tribute to Mexico’s agave history. Photo Courtesy VERDAD True Modern Mexican.

For those who want to start celebrating early, Verdad is kicking things off with a crowd-pleaser. On May 4 and 5, enjoy half-off their signature margarita carafes and signature queso from 4 p.m. to close. It’s the perfect pairing for a chill evening with friends and the kind of deal you don’t want to miss.

 

De Nada: Days Filled with Flavor and Festivities

The famous De Nada signature marg. Photo courtesy De Nada

De Nada is going all out with a Cinco de Mayo Party running now through May 5. Expect tastings from Carabuena (Sunday) and Aguasol (Monday), dice games with prizes from Ilegal Mezcal (Monday), and nonstop giveaways from Topo Chico. The food menu features fan favorites like queso, guac, and quesadillas (birria, carnitas, and bean & cheese). Plus, there’s a photobooth, merch, and festive vibes galore. Dine-in only!

 

Chuy’s: Sip Big and Save

Margs and Queso at Chuys. Photo courtesy Chuy’s

Chuy’s is serving up classic margaritas at a can’t-miss price on May 5. Regular House ‘Ritas (lime, strawberry, swirl, or dot) are just $6, while Grandes are $9 and you get to keep the giveaway cup while supplies last. Add on $5 Chips ‘N’ Dips (think Queso, Queso Compuesto, Lil’ Chuy Gooey or the Boom-Boom Pow), and you’ve got yourself a Cinco celebration without breaking the bank.

 

Licha’s Cantina: Mezcal and Music

Cinco de Mayo specials at Lichas. Photo courtesy Licha’s Cantina

Celebrate Cinco with mezcal in hand and music in the air at Licha’s Cantina. On May 5 from 4–5 p.m., enjoy free pours of mezcal and tequila from Mezcal Unión and ATX Tequila. The party keeps going with a live DJ set from 6–9 p.m. It’s festive, flavorful, and oh-so-Austin.

 

Polvos: Weekend-Long Fiesta

Polvo’s tacos. Photo courtesy Polvo’s

Polvos is making Cinco de Mayo a multi-day affair, running now through Monday. On Sunday enjoy mariachis at noon and happy hour pricing all day, $6 margaritas, and $4 tacos. Bonus: on Sunday doors open at 11 a.m. and Monday at 5 p.m. Come hungry.

 

Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina: One-Year Anniversary Bash

Arriba Abajo cocktails. Photo courtesy Arriba Abajo

Head to the rooftop at Thompson Austin on Sunday, May 4, for a one-year anniversary fiesta at Arriba Abajo. From noon until sundown, this Oaxacan-inspired party will feature a mariachi band, DJ Prissy P, on-site tattoo artists, games, and food from a whole roasted pig to ceviche bowls. Sip on a variety of cocktails including Mexican Candy Shots and a tropical Abajo Blast. Don’t miss the Raspados Station with shaved ice and tequila toppers. The best part? It’s free and open to the public (RSVP encouraged). On Cinco de Mayo (May 5), enjoy $1 carnitas and chicken tacos and $1 shots of 21 Seeds Tequila all day long.

Whether you’re craving tacos on a rooftop or margaritas by the carafe, Austin’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations are full of flavor and fun.

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Madi Hise is a Public Relations student at the University of Texas, minoring in business. When she’s not studying, you’ll find her exploring Austin’s newest restaurants and trendiest coffee shops.